DNA encoding canine von willebrand factor and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The complete sequence of the canine von Willebrand Factor cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence is provided. The mutation which causes von Willebrand&#39;s Disease in Scottish Terriers, Doberman pinschers, Shetland sheepdogs, Manchester terriers and Poodles are also provided. Methods for detecting carriers of the defective vWF gene are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/896,449, filed Jul. 18, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,143 which claims priority from U.S. Ser. No. 60/020,998, filed Jul. 19, 1996, both hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

The present application claims priority to PCT patent application serial number PCT/US99/18153, filed on Aug. 10, 1999, which claims priority to U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,832, issued Jun. 13, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to canine von Willebrand factor (vWF), and more particularly, to the gene encoding vWF as well as a genetic defect that causes canine von Willebrand's disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In both dogs and humans, von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is a bleeding disorder of variable severity that results from a quantitative or qualitative defect in von Willebrand factor (vWF) (Ginsburg, D. et al., Blood 79:2507-2519 (1992); Ruggeri, Z. M., et al., FASEB J 7:308-316 (1993); Dodds, W. J., Mod Vet Pract 681-686 (1984); Johnson, G. S. et al., JAVMA 176:1261-1263 (1988); Brooks, M., Probl In Vet Med 4:636-646 (1992)). This clotting factor has two known functions, stabilization of Factor VIII (hemophilic factor A) in the blood, and aiding the adhesion of platelets to the subendothelium, which allows them to provide hemostasis more effectively. If the factor is missing or defective, the patient, whether human or dog, may bleed severely.

The disease is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder in both species, and is genetically and clinically heterogenous. Three clinical types, called 1, 2, and 3 (formerly I, II, and II; see Sadler, J. E. et al., Blood 84:676-679 (1994) for nomenclature changes), have been described. Type 1 vWD is inherited in a dominant, incompletely penetrant fashion. Bleeding appears to be due to the reduced level of vWF rather than a qualitative difference. Although this is the most common form of vWD found in most mammals, and can cause serious bleeding problems, it is generally less severe than the other two types. In addition, a relatively inexpensive vasopressin analog (DDAVP) can help alleviate symptoms (Kraus, K. H. et al., Vet Surg 18:103-109 (1989)).

In Type 2 vWD, patients may have essentially normal levels of vWF, but the factor is abnormal as determined by specialized tests (Ruggeri, Z. M., et al., FASEB J 7:308-316 (1993); Brooks, M., Probl In Vet Med 4:636-446 (1992)). This type is also inherited in a dominant fashion and has only rarely been described in dogs (Turrentine, M. A., et al., Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 18:275 (1988)).

Type 3 vWD is the most severe form of the disease. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, and affected individuals have no detectable vWF in their blood. Serious bleeding episodes require transfusions of blood or cryoprecipitate to supply the missing vWF. Heterozygous carriers have moderately reduced factor concentrations, but generally appear to have normal hemostasis.

Scottish terriers have Type 3 vWD (Dodds, W. J., Mod Vet Pract 681-686 (1984); Johnson, G. S. et al., JAVMA 176:1261-1263 (1988)). Homozygotes have no detectable vWF and have a severe bleeding disorder. Heterozygotes have reduced levels of the factor, and are clinically normal (Brooks, M. et al., JAVMA 200:1123-1127 (1992)). The prevalence of vWD among Scottish terriers including both heterozygotes and homozygotes has been variously estimated from 27-31% (Stokol, T. et al., Res. Vet. Sci. 59:152-155 (1995); Brooks, M., Proc. 9th ACVIM Forum 89-91 (1991)).

Currently, detection of affected and carrier Scottish terrier dogs is done by vWF antigen testing (Benson, R. E. et al., Am J Vet Res 44:399-403 (1983); Stokol, T. et al., Res. Vet. Sci. 59:152-155 (1995)) or by coagulation assays (Rosborough, T. K. et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 96:47-56 (1980); Read, M. S. et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 101:74-82 (1983)). These procedures yield variable results, as the protein-based tests can be influenced by such things as sample collection, sample handling, estrous, pregnancy vaccination, age, and hypothyroidism (Strauss, H. S. et al., New Eng J Med 269:1251-1252 (1963); Bloom, A. L., Mayo Clin Proc 66:743-751 (1991); Stirling, Y. et al., Thromb Haemostasis 52:176-182 (1984); Mansell, P. D. et al., Br. Vet. J. 148:329-337 (1992); Avgeris, S. et al., JAVMA 196:921-924 (1990); Panciera, D. P. et al., JAVMA 205:1550-1553 (1994)). Thus, for example, a dog that tests within the normal range on one day, can test within the carrier range on another day. It is therefore difficult for breeders to use this information.

It would thus be desirable to provide the nucleic acid sequence encoding canine vWF. It would also be desirable to provide the genetic defect responsible for canine vWD. It would further be desirable to obtain the amino acid sequence of canine vWF. It would also be desirable to provide a method for detecting carriers of the defective vWF gene based on the nucleic acid sequence of the normal and defective vWF gene.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel purified and isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding canine vWF. Nucleic acid sequences containing the mutations that cause vWD in Scottish terriers, Doberman pinschers, Shetland sheepdogs, Manchester terriers and Poodles are also provided. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention may be used in methods for detecting carriers of the mutation that causes vWD. Such methods may be used by breeders to reduce the frequency of the disease-causing allele and the incidence of disease. In addition, the nucleic acid sequence of the canine vWF provided herein may be used to determine the genetic defect that causes vWD in other breeds as well as other species.

Additional objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following specification and by referencing the following drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C is the nucleic acid sequence of the canine von Willebrand factor of the present invention (SEQ ID NO: 1);

FIGS. 2A-2C is a comparison of the human and canine prepro-von Willebrand factor amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 2);

FIG. 3 provides nucleotide sequencing ladders for the von Willebrand's disease mutation region for normal (clear), carrier, and affected Scottish terriers, the sequences being obtained directly from PCR products derived from genomic DNAs in exon 4;

FIG. 4 Illustrates the results of a method of the present invention used to detect the Scottish terrier vWD mutation (SEQ ID NOS: 3-13);

FIG. 5 shows the Scottish terrier pedigree, which in turn illustrates segregation of the mutant and normal vWF alleles;

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing the splice site comparison between normal and mutant Doberman pinscher vWF alleles (SEQ ID NOS: 14-17);

FIG. 7 is a photograph of a sequencing ladder showing the cryptic splice cite from the mutant allele (SEQ ID NO: 18);

FIG. 8 is a photograph of an agarose gel showing representative results of the PCR-based diagnostic test;

FIG. 9 is a histogram of genotypes versus reported vWF values;

FIG. 10 is a photograph of a sequencing gel showing the mutation region between a vWD affected and a homozygous normal Shetland sheepdog (SEQ ID NOS: 19 and 20);

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the Mwo I diagnostic test for the Shetland sheepdog Type 3 vWD mutation (SEQ ID NOS: 21-25); and

FIG. 12 is a photograph of an agarose gel showing the results of the diagnostic test for the Shetland sheepdog Type 3 vWD mutation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The cDNA encoding canine von Willebrand Factor (vWF) has been sequenced, and is set forth in FIGS. 1A-1C and SEQ ID NO: 1. The deduced amino acid sequence is set forth in FIGS. 2A-2C and SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the mutation of the normal vWF gene which causes von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) in Scottish terriers, a deletion at codon 88 of the normal gene resulting in a frameshift, is provided. In another embodiment, a splice junction mutation at nucleotide position 7639 of the normal gene, which causes vWD in Doberman pinschers, Manchester terriers and Poodles, is provided. In yet another embodiment, a single base deletion at nucleotide position 937 of the normal gene, causing vWD in Shetland sheepdogs, is provided. The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention may be used in methods for detecting homozygous and heterozygous carriers of the defective vWF gene.

In a preferred method of detecting the presence of the von Willebrand allele in canines, DNA samples are first collected by relatively noninvasive techniques, i.e., DNA samples are obtained with minimal penetration into body tissues of the animals to be tested. Common noninvasive tissue sample collection methods may be used and include withdrawing buccal cells via cheek swabs and withdrawing blood samples. Following isolation of the DNA by standard techniques, PCR is performed on the DNA utilizing pre-designed primers that produce enzyme restriction sites on those DNA samples that harbor the defective gene. Treatment of the amplified DNA with appropriate restriction enzymes such as BsiE I thus allows one to analyze for the presence of the defective allele. One skilled in the art will appreciate that this method may be applied not only to Scottish terriers, Doberman pinschers, Shetland sheepdogs, Manchester terriers and Poodles, but to other breeds such as Dutch Kooikers, as well.

The presence of the von Willebrand allele in canines can also be detected utilizing ligation amplification reaction technology (LAR) known to those skilled in the art. LAR is a method analogous to PCR for DNA amplification wherein ligases are employed for elongation in place of polymerases used for PCR. Another alternate method for detecting the presence of the canine von Willebrand allele also known to those skilled in the art, is allele specific oligonucleotide hybridization, wherein an oligonucleotide of about 20 bp containing the contiguous nucleotides of the allele of interest is hybridized to the canine DNA.

The present invention provides breeders with an accurate, definitive test whereby the undesired, defective vWF gene may be eliminated from breeding lines. The current tests used by breeders are protein-based, and as noted previously, the primary difficulty with this type of test is the variability of results due to a variety of factors. The ultimate result of such variability is that an inordinate number of animals fall into an ambiguous grouping whereby carriers and noncarriers cannot be reliably distinguished. The present invention obviates the inherent limitations of protein-based tests by detecting the genetic mutation which causes vWD. As described in the Specific Examples, the methods of the present invention provide an accurate test for distinguishing noncarriers, homozygous carriers and heterozygous carriers of the defective vWF gene.

It will be appreciated that because the vWF cDNA of the present invention is substantially homologous to vWF cDNA throughout the canine species, the nucleic acid sequences of the present invention may be used to detect DNA mutations in other breeds as well. In addition, the canine vWF sequence presented herein potentially in combination with the established human sequence (Genbank Accession No. X04385, Bonthron, D. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 14:7125-7128 (1986); Mancuso, D. J. et al., Biochemistry 30:253-269 (1989); Meyer, D. et al., Throm Haemostasis 70:99-104 (1993)), may be used to facilitate sequencing of the vWF gene and genetic defects causing vWD, in other mammalian species e.g., by using cross-species PCR methods known by those skilled in the art.

It is also within the contemplation of this invention that the isolated and purified nucleic acid sequences of the present invention be incorporated into an appropriate recombinant expression vector, e.g., viral or plasmid, which is capable of transforming an appropriate host cell, either eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian) or prokaryotic (e.g., E. coli). Such DNA may involve alternate nucleic acid forms, such as cDNA, gDNA, and DNA prepared by partial or total chemical synthesis. The DNA may also be accompanied by additional regulatory elements, such as promoters, operators and regulators, which are necessary and/or may enhance the expression of the vWF gene product. In this way, cells may be induced to over-express the vWF gene, thereby generating desired amounts of the target vWF protein. It is further contemplated that the canine vWF polypeptide sequence of the present invention may be utilized to manufacture canine vWF using standard synthetic methods.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the defective protein encoded by the defective vWF gene of the present invention may also be of use in formulating a complementary diagnostic test for canine vWD that may provide further data in establishing the presence of the defective allele. Thus, production of the defective vWF polypeptide, either through expression in transformed host cells as described above for the active vWF polypeptide or through chemical synthesis, is also contemplated by the present invention.

The term “gene” as to referred herein means a nucleic acid which encodes a protein product. The term “nucleic acid” refers to a linear array of nucleotides and nucleosides, such as genomic DNA, cDNA and DNA prepared by partial or total chemical synthesis from nucleotides. The term “encoding” means that the nucleic acid may be transcribed and translated into the desired polypeptide. “Polypeptide” refers to amino acid sequences which comprise both full-length proteins and fragments thereof. “Mutation” as referred to herein includes any alteration in a nucleic acid sequence including, but not limited to, deletions, substitutions and additions.

As referred to herein, the term “capable of hybridizing under high stringency conditions” means annealing a strand of DNA complementary to the DNA of interest under highly stringent conditions. Likewise, “capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions” refers to annealing a strand of DNA complementary to the DNA of interest under low stringency conditions. In the present invention, hybridizing under either high or low stringency conditions would involve hybridizing a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., the complementary sequence to SEQ ID NO: 1 or portion thereof), with a second target nucleic acid sequence. “High stringency conditions” for the annealing process may involve, for example, high temperature and/or low salt content, which disfavor hydrogen bonding contacts among mismatched base pairs. “Low stringency conditions” would involve lower temperature, and/or higher salt concentration than that of high stringency conditions. Such conditions allow for two DNA strands to anneal if substantial, though not near complete complementarity exists between the two strands, as is the case among DNA strands that code for the same protein but differ in sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. Appropriate stringency conditions which promote DNA hybridization, for example, 6×SSC at about 4520 C., followed by a wash of 2×SSC at 50° C. are known to those skilled in the art or can be found in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, NY (1989), 6.31-6.3.6. For example, the salt concentration in the wash step can be selected from a low stringency of about 2×SSC at 50° C. to a high stringency of about 0.2×SSC at 50° C. In addition, the temperature in the wash step can be increased from low stringency at room temperature, about 22° C., to high stringency conditions, at about 65° C. Other stringency parameters are described in Maniatis, T., et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring N.Y., (1982), at pp. 387-389; see also Sambrook J. et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Volume 2, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring, N.Y. at pp. 8.46-8.47 (1989).

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 1—SCOTTISH TERRIERS Materials And Methods

Isolation of RNA. The source of the RNA was a uterus from a Scottish Terrier affected with vWD (factor level <0.1% and a clinical bleeder), that was surgically removed because of infection. Spleen tissue was obtained from a Doberman pinscher affected with vWD that died from dilated cardiomyopathy (factor level 7% and a clinical bleeder). Total RNA was extracted from the tissues using Trizol (Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). The integrity of the RNA was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Design of PCR primer sets. Primers were designed to a few regions of the gene, where sequences from two species were available (Lavergne, J. M. et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 194:1019-1024 (1993); Bakhshi, M. R. et al., Biochem Biophys Acta 1132:325-328 (1992)). These primers were designed using rules for cross-species' amplifications (Venta et al., “Gene-Specific Universal Mammalian Sequence-Tagged Sites: Application To The Canine Genome” Biochem. Genet. 34:321-341 (1996)). Most of the primers had to be designed to other regions of the gene using the human sequence alone (Mancuso, D. J. et al., Biochemistry 30:253-269 (1991)). Good amplification conditions were determined by using human and canine genomic DNAs.

Reverse Transcriptase-PCR. Total RNA was reverse transcribed using random primers (Bergenhem, N. C. H. et al., PNAS (USA) 89:8789-8802 (1992)). The cDNA was amplified using the primer sets shown to work on canine genomic DNA.

DNA Sequence Analysis. Amplification products of the predicted sizes were isolated from agarose gels by adsorption onto silica gel particles using the manufacturer's method (Qiagen, Chatsworth, Calif.). Sequences were determined using ³³P-5′ end-labeled primers and a cycle sequencing kit (United States Biochemical Corp., Cleveland, Ohio). The sequences of the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions were determined after amplification using Marathon™ RACE kits (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.). Sequences were aligned using the Eugene software analysis package (Lark Technologies, Houston, Tex.). The sequence of the canine intron four was determined from PCR-amplified genomic DNA.

Design of a Diagnostic Test. PCR mutagenesis was used to create diagnostic and control BsiE I and Sau96 I restriction enzyme sites for the test Amplification conditions for the test are: 94° C., 1 min, 61° C., 1 min, and 72° C., 1 min, for 50 cycles using cheek swab DNA (Richards, B. et al., Human Molecular Genetics 2:159-163 (1992)).

Population Survey. DNA was collected from 87 Scottish terriers from 16 pedigrees. DNA was isolated either from blood using standard procedures (Sambrook, J. et al., Cold Harbor Spring Lab, Cold Harbor Spring N.Y., 2nd Edition, (1989)) or by cheek swab samples (Richards, B. et al., Human Molecular Genetics 2:159-163 (1992)). The genetic status of each animal In the survey was determined using the BsiE I test described above.

Results

Comparison of the canine and human sequences. The alignment of the canine and human prepro-von Willebrand Factor amino acid sequences is shown in FIGS. 2A-2C (SEQ ID NO: 2). The location of the Scottish terrier vWD mutation is indicated by the “*”. Potential N-glycosylation sites are shown in bold type. The known and postulated integrin binding sites are boxed. Amino acid numbers are shown on the right side of the figure. The human sequence is derived from Genbank accession number X04385.

Overall, 85.1% sequence identity is seen between the prepro-vWF sequences. The pro-region is slightly less conserved than the mature protein (81.4% vs. 87.5%). There were no other noteworthy percentage sequence identity differences seen in other regions of the gene, or between the known repeats contained within the gene (data not shown). Fourteen potential N-linked glycosylation sites are present in the canine sequence, all of which correspond to similar sites contained within the human sequence. The two integrin binding sites identified in the human vWF protein sequence (Lankhof, H. et al., Blood 86:1035-1042 (1995)) are conserved in the canine sequence as well (FIGS. 2A-2C; SEQ ID NO: 2). The 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions have diverged to a greater extent than the coding region (data not shown), comparable to that found between the human and bovine sequences derived for the 5′ flanking region (Janel, N. et al., Gene 167:291-295 (1995)). Additional insights into the structure and function of the von Willebrand factor can be gained by comparison of the complete human sequence (Genbank Accession No. X04385; Bonthron, D. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 14:7125-7128 (1986); Mancuso, D. J. et al., Biochemistry 30:253-269 (1989); Meyer, D. et al., Throm Haemostasis 70:99-104 (1993)) and the complete canine sequence reported here.

The sequence for most of exon 28 was determined (Mancuso, D. J. et al., Thromb Haemost 69:980 (1993); Porter, C. A. et al., Mol Phylogenet Evol 5:89-101 (1996)). All three sequences are in complete agreement, although two silent variants have been found in other breeds (Table 1, exon 28). Partial sequences of exons 40 and 41 (cDNA nucleotide numbers 6923 to 7155, from the initiation codon) were,also determined as part of the development of a polymorphic simple tandem repeat genetic marker (Shibuya, H. et al., Anim Genet 24:122 (1994)). There is a single nucleotide sequence difference between this sequence (“T”) and the sequence of the present invention, (“C”) at nucleotide position 6928.

Scottish Terrier vWD mutation. FIG. 3 shows nucleotide sequencing ladders for the vWD mutation region for normal (clear), carrier, and affected Scottish terriers. The sequences were obtained directly from PCR products derived from genomic DNAs in exon 4. The arrowheads show the location of the C nucleotide that is deleted In the disease-causing allele. Note that in the carrier ladder each base above the point of the mutation has a doublet appearance, as predicted for deletion mutations. The factor levels reported for these animals were: Normal, 54%; Carrier, 34%; Affected, <0.1%.

As a result of the deletion, a frameshift mutation at codon 88 leads to a new stop codon 103 bases downstream. The resulting severely truncated protein of 119 amino acids does not include any of the mature vWF region. The identity of the base in the normal allele was determined from an unaffected dog.

Development of a diagnostic test A PCR primer was designed to produce a BsiE I site in the mutant allele but not in the normal allele (FIG. 4; SEQ ID NOS 3 and 10). The position of the deleted nucleotide is Indicated by an asterisk. The altered nucleotides in each primer are underlined. The normal and mutant allele can also be distinguished using Sau96 I. The naturally occurring Sau96 I sites are shown by double underlines. The highly conserved donor and acceptor dinucleotide splice sequences are shown in bold type.

In order to ensure that the restriction enzyme cut the amplified DNA to completion, an internal control restriction site common to both alleles was designed into the non-diagnostic primer. The test was verified by digestion of the DNA from animals that were affected, obligate carriers, or normal (based on high factor levels [greater than 100% of normal] obtained from commonly used testing labs and reported by the owners, and also using breeds in which Type 3 vWD has not been observed). The expected results were obtained (e.g., FIG. 5). Five vWD-affected animals from a colony founded from Scottish terriers (Brinkhous, K. M. et al., Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 370:191-203 (1981)) were also shown to be homozygous for this mutation. An additional unaffected animal from this same colony was found to be clear.

It would still be possible to misinterpret the results of the test if restriction enzyme digestion was not complete, and if the rates of cleavage of the control: and diagnostic sites were vastly different. The rates of cleavage of the two BsiE I sites were thus examined by partially digesting the PCR products and running them on capillary electrophoresis. The rates were found to be very nearly equal (the diagnostic site is cut 12% faster than the control site).

The mutagenesis primer was also designed to produce a Sau96 I site into the normal allele but not the mutant allele. This is the reverse relationship compared to the BsiE I-dependent test, with respect to which allele is cut. Natural internal Sau96 I sites serve as digestion control sites (shown in FIG. 4). The test using this enzyme produced identical genotypic results compared to the BsiE I for all animals examined (data not shown).

Mendelian Inheritance. One test often used to verify the correct identification of a mutant allele is its inheritance according to Mendel's law of segregation. Three pedigrees were examined in which the normal and mutant alleles were segregating, as shown in FIG. 5. Exon four of the vWF gene was PCR-amplified from genomic DNA. The PCR products were examined for the presence of the normal and mutant vWF alleles by agarose gel electrophoresis after digestion with BsiE I (see FIG. 5). The affected animals are homozygous for the mutant allele (229 bp; lanes 3 and 5). The other animals in this pedigree are heterozygotes (251 bp and 229 bp; lanes 1, 2, 4, and 6), including the obligate carrier parents.

TABLE 1 Differences Between Scottie and Doberman Pinscher Protein And Nucleotide von Willebrand Factor Sequences With Comparison To The Human Sequences

¹Amino acid residue position ²Untranslated region ³Nucleotide position ⁴Not Applicable ⁵Frameshift mutation ⁶Splice site mutation for Doberman pinscher, Manchester terrier and Poodle Boxed residues show amino acid differences between breeds *This site has been shown to be polymorphic in some breeds The mature VWF protein begins in exon 18

The alleles, as typed by both the BsiE I and Sau96 I tests, showed no inconsistencies with Mendelian inheritance. One of these pedigrees included two affected animals, two phenotypically normal siblings, and the obligate carrier parents. The two parents were found to be heterozygous by the test, the two affected animals were found to be homozygous for the mutant allele, and the normal siblings were found to be heterozygotes.

Population survey for the mutation. Cheek swabs or blood samples were collected from 87 animals in order to determine the incidence of carriers in the U.S. Scottish terrier population. Although an attempt was made to make the sample as random as possible, these dogs were found to come from 16 pedigrees, several of which are more distantly interconnected. This is due to some ascertainment bias, based on ownership (as opposed to phenotypic ascertainment bias). In these 87 animals, 4 affected and 15 carder animals were found.

Discussion

These results establish that the single base deletion found in exon four of the vWF gene causes vWD in the Scottish terrier breed. The protein produced from the mutant allele is extremely short and does not include any of the mature vWF protein. Four Scottish terriers known to be affected with the disease are homozygous for the mutation. Five other mixed-breed dogs descended from Scottish terriers, and affected with vWD, are also homozygous for the mutation. No normal animals are homozygous for the mutation. Unaffected obligate carriers are always heterozygous for the mutation.

The gene frequency, as determined from the population survey, appears to be around 0.13 resulting in a heterozygote frequency of about 23% and expected frequency of affected animals of about 2%. Although the sample size is relatively small and somewhat biased, these data are in general agreement with the protein-based surveys (Stokol, T. et al., Res Vet Sci 59:152-155 (1995); Brooks, M., Probl In Vet Med 4:636-646 (1992)), in that the allele frequency is substantial.

All data collected thus far indicate that this mutation may account for essentially all of the von Willebrand's disease found In Scottish terriers. This result is consistent with the results found for other genetic diseases, defined at the molecular level, in various domestic animals (Shuster, D. E. et al., PNAS (USA) 89:9225-9229 (1992); Rudolph, J. A. et al., Nat Genet 2:144-147 (1992); O'Brien, P. J. et al., JAVMA 203:842-851 (1993)). A likely explanation may be found in the pronounced founder effect that occurs in domestic animals, compared to most human and wild animal populations.

Published data using the protein-based factor assays have shown that, at least in several instances, obligate carriers have had factor levels that would lead to a diagnosis of “clear” of the disease allele. For example, in one study an obligate carrier had a factor level of 78% (Johnson, G. S. et al., JAVMA 176:1261-1263 (1980)). In another study, at least some of the obligate carriers had factor levels of 65% or greater (Brinkhous, K. M. et al., Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 370:191-203 (1981)). In addition, the number of animals that fall into an equivocal range can be substantial. In one study, 19% of Scottish terriers fell in this range (50-65% of the normal vWF antigen level) (Stokol, T. et al., Res Vet Sci 59:152-155 (1995)). Thus, although the protein-based tests have been useful, the certainty of the DNA-based test described herein should relieve the necessity of repeated testing and the variability associated with the protein-based assays.

The mutation is present in the pre-vWF part of the molecule. This part of the molecule is processed off prior to delivery of the mature protein into the plasma. This pre-portion of the molecule is important for the assembly of the mature vWF protein (Verwiej, L. et al., EBMO J 6:2885-2890 (1987); Wise, R. J. et al., Cell 52:229-236 (1988)). With the Scottish terrier frameshift vWD mutation, neither this pre-portion nor any of the mature factor is ever produced, in keeping with the fact that no factor has ever been detected in the blood of affected dogs.

The determination of the complete canine vWF cDNA sequence will have an impact upon the development of carrier tests for other breeds and other species as well. Currently, Shetland sheepdogs (see Specific Example 3) and Dutch Kooikers are known to have a significant amount of Type 3 vWD (Brooks, M. et al., JAVMA 200:1123-1127 (1992); Slappendel, R. J., Vet-Q 17:S21-S22 (1995)). Type 3 vWD has occasionally be seen in other breeds as well (e.g., Johnson, G. S. et al., JAVMA 176:1261-1263 (1980)). All Type 3 vWD mutations described in humans to date have been found within the vWF gene itself. The availability of the canine sequence will make it easier to find the mutations in these breeds. In addition, at least some Type 1 mutations have been found within the human vWF gene, and thus Type 1 mutations may also be found within the vWF gene for breeds affected with that form of the disease. The availability of two divergent mammalian vWF cDNA sequences will also make it much easier to sequence the gene from other mammalian species using cross-species PCR methods (e.g., Venta et al., Biochem. Genet. 34:321-341 (1996)).

The test described herein for the detection of the mutation in Scottish terriers may be performed on small amounts of DNA from any tissue. The tissues that are the least invasive to obtain are blood and buccal cells. For maximum convenience, a cheek swab as a source of DNA is preferred.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 2—DOBERMAN PINSCHER Materials and Methods

RT-PCR and DNA Sequence Analysis. RNA was isolated by using Trizol (Life Technologies, Gaitherburg, Md.) from the spleen of a Doberman pinscher that was affected with vWD (factor value of 7% of normal) and that had died from dilated cardiomyopathy. RT-PCR was performed as previously described using primers to the canine vWF cDNA. Most PCR products were determined directly using a cycle sequencing kit (Amersham Corp, Chicago, Ill.). A minor band containing the four base deletion (see Results) was subcloned into a plasmid vector prior to sequence analysis. The five kb intron 43 was amplified using a commercially available kit for long PCR (Boehringer-Mannheim, Indianapolis, Ind.). The cycling times and temperatures were as follows: initial denaturation, 93° C., 2 min; 10 cycles of 93° C., 15 sec, 62° C., 30 sec, 68° C., 4 min; 20 cycles of 93° C., 15 sec, 62° C., 30 sec, 68° C., 4 min with 20 additional sec per cycle. This was followed by a final extension at 68° C. for 7 min. The sequences of the primers used were: exon 43 (sense primer), 5′-TCTACCCTGTGGGCCAGTTC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 26), and exon 44 (antisense primer), 5′-GACCACCTCACAGGCAGAT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 27).

PCR-Based Mutation Test. PCR mutagenesis was used to create an Msp I site in the normal allele but not in the mutant allele. An internal Msp I digestion control site was also created by PCR mutagenesis within the anti-sense primer, whose target is within intron 43. The control site is contained within the amplification products of both alleles. The sequences of the primers are: diagnostic (sense) primer, 5′-CTGTGAGGACAACTGCCTGCC-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 28); and common (anti-sense) primer, 5′-TGGCCCTGAACCGGAAATTACTCAAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 29) (the altered bases within each primer are underlined). A ‘touchdown’ PCR protocol was used for the amplification. The amplification conditions are: 94° C., 30 sec, 63 to 55° C. 40 sec, and 72° C., 50 sec, for the first 8 cycles, with the annealing temperature dropping one degree per cycle. Twenty-eight additional cycles were run, with the annealing temperature held at 55° C. The DNA was digested with Msp I after PCR amplification.

Population Survey. Owners who participated in a population survey supplied cheek swabs from their dogs for genotype analysis. Richards, B. et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. 2:159 (1992). A number of these dogs had associated vWF values that were determined by various testing laboratories that provide this service to breeders.

Results

During the sequence analysis of the vWF mRNA from an affected Doberman pinscher, a significant nucleotide difference from the Scottish terrier sequence was discovered. This change was found at the last base of exon 43 (nucleotide 7437 from the initiation codon, at amino acid position Ser 2479; G in Scotties, A in the affected Doberman) (Table 1). Although this is a silent amino acid change, it causes the splice junction to be less similar to the mammalian splice junction consensus. Nakai, K. et al., Gene 141:171 (1994); Krawcsak, M. et al., Genet. 90:41 (1992). Just upstream of the normal splice junction is another sequence that also has significant similarity to the consensus, which is increased by the A at nucleotide position 7437 (FIG. 6; SEQ ID NOS: 14-17). The A at the end of exon 43 could cause the normal splice junction to be used less frequently, and that the upstream cryptic splice site becomes the one predominantly used. Comparison of the splice sites by a devised statistical method (Shapiro, M. B. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 15:7155 (1987)) gave the following scores: normal splice position with the wild-type allele (G at 7536), 83.9; cryptic splice site with the wild-type allele, 60.6; normal splice position with the mutant allele (A at 7437), 72.2; cryptic splice site with the mutant allele, 70.5. Higher scores represent a greater likelihood of splicing potential. The scores for the normal and cryptic splice sites are quite different with the wild-type allele, but are very close with the mutant allele. These results support the probability of a decreased likelihood for splicing at the normal site, and an increased potential for splicing at the cryptic site with the mutant allele.

A faint RT-PCR band just below the major band from which the variant nucleotide had been detected was observed. This minor band was missing the four bases at the end of exon 43 as confirmed by sequence analysis (FIG. 7; SEQ ID NO: 18). The position of the four deleted bases is shown on the right side of FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NO: 18).

A PCR-based test was developed to detect the nucleotide difference in genomic DNA as described herein in Materials and Methods. The results of the test for several animals with a spectrum of factor values yield a significant correlation between genotype and factor value as shown in FIG. 8. Lane 1 contains a 50 bp ladder as a size marker. The uncut PCR product is 135 bp (lane 8). Both alleles contain a common Msp I restriction site that serves as an internal digestion control. The mutant (A) and normal (G) alleles are represented by the 123 bp and 102 bp bands, respectively. Reported factor levels and deduced genotypic status for dogs represented in the additional lanes are as follows: 2, 12%, affected (AA); 3, 8%, affected (AA); 4, 39%, carrier (AG); 5, 68%, carrier (AG); 6, 125%, homozygous normal (GG); 7, 136%, homozygous normal (GG). A survey of 21 randomly ascertained animals with associated factor values showed a strong correlation between genotype and factor level as presented in the histogram of FIG. 9. The shaded boxes indicate predicted genotypes based on factor levels that are not consistent with the genotypes deduced from the PCR-based diagnostic test. Larger factor value-only surveys (Johnson et al., Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. 18:195-229 (1988); Moser et al., Am. J. Vet. Res. 57:1288-1293 (1996); Stokol et al., Aust. Vet. J. 72:257-262 (1996)) indicate substantial overlap between genotypes based upon the protein-based methods. A larger survey on 67 additional Dobermans contained in 10 independently ascertained pedigrees was performed to obtain an estimate of the mutant allele frequency within the breed. Of the total of 88 animals, 40 were M, 35 were AG, and 13 were GG. From these results, the A allele frequency was estimated to be 0.64.

Discussion

The splice junction mutation at the end of exon 43 is the cause of recessive Type 1 vWD found within the Doberman pinscher breed. The mutation decreases the similarity between the normal splice junction and the mammalian consensus while at the same time increasing the similarity of the cryptic splice site found just upstream of the normal splice site (FIG. 6; SEQ ID NOS: 14-17). The calculated Shapiro-Senapathy splice site values (Shapiro, M. B. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 15:7155 (1987)) are very similar for the normal and cryptic splice sites when an A is present at nucleotide position 7536. The Shapiro-Senapathy calculation is probably not completely accurate in determining the relative amount of splicing that can occur between different sites. Therefore, it is not inconsistent to find that the cryptic splice site is used more often than the normal site, in the mutant allele.

The sequence of the minor amplification product seen just below the main amplification band exactly matches that predicted by the use of the cryptic splice site (FIG. 7; SEQ ID NO: 18). The fact that there is less cryptically spliced mRNA than normally spliced mRNA present In the cytoplasm can be explained by the relative instability of the cryptically spliced message. The cryptically spliced mRNA produces a shift in the translational reading frame, resulting in the formation of a premature stop codon. It is well known that mRNAs that produce truncated proteins are unstable, perhaps because ribosomes do not remain attached to the message to protect it from degradation by intracellular RNases or because of the incomplete assembly of splicosomes on mutant splice sites. Maquat, L. E., Am J Hum Genet 59:279 (1996). The average amount of vWF protein present in affected animals is roughly 10% of the normal canine value. Thus, each mutant allele should produce about 5% of the normal amount of vWF mRNA and protein. From this, it can be predicted that the average heterozygous Doberman should produce 55% of the average canine vWF value. The vWF mRNA estimated in affected animals has been shown to be roughly 20% of normal by densitometry scans of northern blots. Meinkoth, J. H. et al., Am. J. Vet. Res. 56:1577 (1995). This mRNA is predicted to consist primarily of the correctly spliced transcript.

The mutation has been shown to be linked to the vWF locus (FIG. 9 and Holmes, N. G. et al., J. Small An. Prac 37:307 (1996). Most human Type 1 vWD, in which there is a true clinical bleeding problem, appears to be inherited in a dominant, incompletely penetrant fashion. Ginsburg, D. et al., Blood 79:2507 (1992). Although a few Type 1 mutations have been found within the vWF locus (see, e.g., Siguret, V. et al., Hum. Genet. 93:95 (1994); Eikenboom, J. C. J. et al., Blood 88:2433 (1996)); it has been argued that another locus or loci may also cause some Type 1 vWD. Ginsburg, D. et al., Blood 79:2507 (1992). In fact, one murine Type 1 vWD has been mapped to locus that is not linked to the vWF gene. Nichols, W. C. et al., Blood 83:3225 (1994). The data show that a least a proportion of Type 1 vWD in humans might also be caused by the exon 43 mutation, or other leaky splice junction mutations. The mode of inheritance for this type of mutation is recessive, but it might appear to be dominant in certain situations, such as that of the Doberman pinscher. The number of splice site mutations of the type described herein are significantly below the number that would be predicted to occur, suggesting that these types of mutations are more difficult to detect or have been overlooked in the past. Krawcsak, M. et al., Hum. Genet. 90:41 (1992). This might be because they produce a less severe phenotype than other types of mutations that cause a complete loss of function.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 3—SHETLAND SHEEPDOG

Total DNA was isolated from material obtained from a spay of an affected Shetland sheepdog (Sheltie). This animal had been tested for the vWF antigen, and was reported to have a 0% value by a laboratory skilled in this testing (Diagnostic Laboratory, Comparative Hematology Section, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University). The owner had decided to have the spay done after obtaining this result, and donated the removed tissues. The entire RT-PCR coding region of this mutant gene was sequenced as described in Specific Example 1, to identify the mutation that causes vWD. A mutation was found in the vWF gene that appears to be responsible for most or all of the type 3 vWD found in the Sheltie breed. A deletion of a single T was found at nucleotide position 735 of the encoding region (FIG. 10; SEQ ID NOS: 19 and 20). The arrows in FIG. 10 indicate the series of T nucleotides in which one T has been deleted in the DNA of the affected animal compared to the normal animal. This deletion, present in the equivalent of human exon 7, would cause a shift in the reading from of the vWF-encoding region, and result in a severely truncated protein. A diagnostic test was designed to detect this mutation (FIG. 11; SEQ ID NOS: 21-25). The deletion causes the creation of an Mwo I restriction site and thus, the Mwo site is found in the mutant allele, but not in the normal allele. The sequence shown in FIG. 11 (SEQ ID NOS: 21 and 22) is that of the canine gene that corresponds to the human vWF exon 7. The single letter code for amino acids is shown above the nucleotide sequence and the primer sequences are shown below the gene sequence. The Mwo I sites are also indicated. An internal digestion control site is present in the non-diagnostic primer region. Reagent concentrations for this test were: 100 μM dNTPs, 50 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.3), 2 mM MgCl₂, 0.05 to 0.1 μg target DNA, 15 μM of each primer (SEQ ID NOS: 23 and 25), and 0.025 U Taq DNA polymerase. Cycling conditions were: 94° C., 4 min, one cycle, followed by 50 cycles of 94° C., 30 sec, 63° C., 40 sec, and 72° C., 40 sec. The relatively low Taq concentration (compared to generally accepted conditions) with the high number of cycles prevents the amplification of non-specific PCR bands. One microliter of Mwo I restriction enzyme (New England Biolabs, Inc.) and 2 μl of 50 mM MgCl₂ were added directly to the PCR reaction after amplification, and incubated at 60° C. for 1 hr. Digestion products were then observed after gel electrophoresis on a 1.5% agarose gel and the results shown in FIG. 12. Lanes 1 and 17 show a one hundred bp ladder. Lanes 2-6 show the results from an affected animal, lanes 7-11 show the results from a carrier animal, and lanes 12-16 show the results from a homozygous normal animal. Lane 18 shows an undigested control PCR product. The duplicate samples demonstrate the reproducibility of the test. Numbers on the left side of the gel show the sizes of the standard bands, and numbers on the right side of the gel show the sizes of the uncut product (U), the normal allele (N), and the two bands for the mutant allele (M).

A survey of Shelties was conducted to determine the frequency of the mutation within the U.S. population. Of a total of 103 animals, 14 were carriers, giving a carrier frequency of 13.6%. This frequency is less than the value of 28% reported for the breed in 1988 for 730 animals when using the factor antigen test. Brooks, M. et al., J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 200:1123-1127 (1992). One third of these carriers are thought to be due to Type 1 vWD also present in the breed. Still, the value of 13.6% would be lower than the calculated value of 18.7% from the antigen test. This difference could be due to either ascertainment biases in either study, a true decrease in the frequency of the disease in this breed, one or more additional Type 3 mutations in the breed, or a combination of these possibilities. Whatever the reason for the difference, most or all of the Type 3 disease in the Sheltie is probably caused by this one mutation. This is based on the understanding of the importance of the Founder effect (or populate sire effect) on the increase in the frequency of specific genetic diseases in purebred populations of domestic animals. A 17 member pedigree of Shelties, in which the mutation was segregating was tested for normal Mendelian inheritance of the allele. There were no differences from what would be expected under co-dominant inheritance of the two alleles.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 4

In an effort to find mutations that cause vWD in other canine breeds, affected animals were surveyed, as diagnosed by low levels of vWF antigen, for the three mutations set forth herein. In the case of the Manchester terrier breed, it was found that at least a portion of the affected animals had the identical mutation that causes vWD in the Doberman pinscher. The test described supra for the Doberman pinscher was utilized to test an affected Manchester terrier, plus several related animals. The affected animal was found to be homozygous for the mutant allele (Table 2). In addition, several animals who had vWF values in the carrier range were found to be carriers at the genotypic level.

TABLE 2 Manchester terrier vWF values vs. DNA genotype Dog vWF value^(a) Genotype^(b) MT1 200%  normal MT2 76% normal MT3 42% carrier MT4 19% carrier MT5 NT carrier MT6 NT carrier MT7 10% affected ^(a)Factor values as reported from a testing lab (Cornell CVM, Hematology Lab). ^(b)Genotype for the leaky splice mutation originally found in the Doberman pinscher.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 5

In an effort to locate mutations that cause vWD in other canine breeds, affected animals as diagnosed by low levels of vWF antigen, were surveyed for the three mutations set forth herein. The test described supra for the Doberman pinscher was utilized and, in the case of the Poodle breed, it was found that the affected animals had the identical mutation that causes vWD in the Doberman pinscher. The affected animals were found to be homozygous for the mutant allele. In addition, several animals who had vWF values in the carrier range were found to be carriers at the genotypic level.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

All patents and other publications cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference.

29 1 8802 DNA Canis familiaris 1 cattaaaagg tcctggctgg gagctttttt ttgggaccag cactccatgt tcaagggcaa 60 acaggggcca attaggatca atcttttttc tttctttttt taaaaaaaaa aattcttccc 120 actttgcaca cggacagtag tacataccag tagctctctg cgaggacggt gatcactaat 180 catttctcct gcttcgtggc agatgagtcc taccagactt gtgagggtgc tgctggctct 240 ggccctcatc ttgccaggga aactttgtac aaaagggact gttggaaggt catcgatggc 300 ccgatgtagc cttctcggag gtgacttcat caacaccttt gatgagagca tgtacagctt 360 tgcgggagat tgcagttacc tcctggctgg ggactgccag gaacactcca tctcacttat 420 cgggggtttc caaaatgaca aaagagtgag cctctccgtg tatctcggag aatttttcga 480 cattcatttg tttgtcaatg gtaccatgct gcaggggacc caaagcatct ccatgcccta 540 cgcctccaat gggctgtatc tagaggccga ggctggctac tacaagctgt ccagtgaggc 600 ctacggcttt gtggccagaa ttgatggcaa tggcaacttt caagtcctgc tgtcagacag 660 atacttcaac aagacctgtg ggctgtgtgg caactttaat atctttgctg aggatgactt 720 caagactcaa gaagggacgt tgacttcgga cccctatgac tttgccaact cctgggccct 780 gagcagtggg gaacaacggt gcaaacgggt gtcccctccc agcagcccat gcaatgtctc 840 ctctgatgaa gtgcagcagg tcctgtggga gcagtgccag ctcctgaaga gtgcctcggt 900 gtttgcccgc tgccacccgc tggtggaccc tgagcctttt gtcgccctgt gtgaaaggac 960 tctgtgcacc tgtgtccagg ggatggagtg cccttgtgcg gtcctcctgg agtacgcccg 1020 ggcctgtgcc cagcagggga ttgtcttgta cggctggacc gaccacagcg tctgccgacc 1080 agcatgccct gctggcatgg agtacaagga gtgcgtgtcc ccttgcacca gaacttgcca 1140 gagccttcat gtcaaagaag tgtgtcagga gcaatgtgta gatggctgca gctgccccga 1200 gggccagctc ctggatgaag gccactgcgt gggaagtgct gagtgttcct gtgtgcatgc 1260 tgggcaacgg taccctccgg gcgcctccct cttacaggac tgccacacct gcatttgccg 1320 aaatagcctg tggatctgca gcaatgaaga atgcccaggc gagtgtctgg tcacaggaca 1380 gtcccacttc aagagcttcg acaacaggta cttcaccttc agtggggtct gccactacct 1440 gctggcccag gactgccagg accacacatt ctctgttgtc atagagactg tccagtgtgc 1500 cgatgacctg gatgctgtct gcacccgctc ggtcaccgtc cgcctgcctg gacatcacaa 1560 cagccttgtg aagctgaaga atgggggagg agtctccatg gatggccagg atatccagat 1620 tcctctcctg caaggtgacc tccgcatcca gcacaccgtg atggcctccg tgcgcctcag 1680 ctacggggag gacctgcaga tggattcgga cgtccggggc aggctactgg tgacgctgta 1740 ccccgcctac gcggggaaga cgtgcggccg tggcgggaac tacaacggca accgggggga 1800 cgacttcgtg acgcccgcag gcctggcgga gcccctggtg gaggacttcg ggaacgcctg 1860 gaagctgctc ggggcctgcg agaacctgca gaagcagcac cgcgatccct gcagcctcaa 1920 cccgcgccag gccaggtttg cggaggaggc gtgcgcgctg ctgacgtcct cgaagttcga 1980 gccctgccac cgagcggtgg gtcctcagcc ctacgtgcag aactgcctct acgacgtctg 2040 ctcctgctcc gacggcagag actgtctttg cagcgccgtg gccaactacg ccgcagccgt 2100 ggcccggagg ggcgtgcaca tcgcgtggcg ggagccgggc ttctgtgcgc tgagctgccc 2160 ccagggccag gtgtacctgc agtgtgggac cccctgcaac atgacctgtc tctccctctc 2220 ttacccggag gaggactgca atgaggtctg cttggaaagc tgcttctccc ccccagggct 2280 gtacctggat gagaggggag attgtgtgcc caaggctcag tgtccctgtt actatgatgg 2340 tgagatcttt cagcccgaag acatcttctc agaccatcac accatgtgct actgtgagga 2400 tggcttcatg cactgtacca caagtggagg cctgggaagc ctgctgccca acccggtgct 2460 cagcagcccc cggtgtcacc gcagcaaaag gagcctgtcc tgtcggcccc ccatggtcaa 2520 gttggtgtgt cccgctgata acccgagggc tgaaggactg gagtgtgcca aaacctgcca 2580 gaactatgac ctgcagtgca tgagcacagg ctgtgtctcc ggctgcctct gcccgcaggg 2640 catggtccgg catgaaaaca ggtgtgtggc gctggaaaga tgtccctgct tccaccaagg 2700 ccaagagtac gccccaggag aaaccgtgaa aattgactgc aacacttgtg tctgtcggga 2760 ccggaagtgg acctgcacag accatgtgtg tgatgccact tgctctgcca tcggcatggc 2820 gcactacctc accttcgacg gactcaagta cctgttccct ggggagtgcc agtatgttct 2880 ggtgcaggat tactgcggca gtaaccctgg gaccttacgg atcctggtgg ggaacgaggg 2940 gtgcagctac ccctcagtga aatgcaagaa gcgggtcacc atcctggtgg aaggaggaga 3000 gattgaactg tttgatgggg aggtgaatgt gaagaaaccc atgaaggatg agactcactt 3060 tgaggtggta gagtctggtc agtacgtcat tctgctgctg ggcaaggcac tctctgtggt 3120 ctgggaccac cgcctgagca tctctgtgac cctgaagcgg acataccagg agcaggtgtg 3180 tggcctgtgt gggaattttg atggcatcca gaacaatgat ttcaccagca gcagcctcca 3240 aatagaagaa gaccctgtgg actttgggaa ttcctggaaa gtgaacccgc agtgtgccga 3300 caccaagaaa gtaccactgg actcatcccc tgccgtctgc cacaacaaca tcatgaagca 3360 gacgatggtg gattcctcct gcaggatcct caccagtgat attttccagg actgcaacag 3420 gctggtggac cctgagccat tcctggacat ttgcatctac gacacttgct cctgtgagtc 3480 cattggggac tgcacctgct tctgtgacac cattgctgct tacgcccacg tctgtgccca 3540 gcatggcaag gtggtagcct ggaggacagc cacattctgt ccccagaatt gcgaggagcg 3600 gaatctccac gagaatgggt atgagtgtga gtggcgctat aacagctgtg cccctgcctg 3660 tcccatcacg tgccagcacc ccgagccact ggcatgccct gtacagtgtg ttgaaggttg 3720 ccatgcgcac tgccctccag ggaaaatcct ggatgagctt ttgcagacct gcatcgaccc 3780 tgaagactgt cctgtgtgtg aggtggctgg tcgtcgcttg gccccaggaa agaaaatcat 3840 cttgaacccc agtgaccctg agcactgcca aatttgtaat tgtgatggtg tcaacttcac 3900 ctgtaaggcc tgcagagaac ccggaagtgt tgtggtgccc cccacagatg gccccattgg 3960 ctctaccacc tcgtatgtgg aggacacgtc ggagccgccc ctccatgact tccactgcag 4020 caggcttctg gacctggttt tcctgctgga tggctcctcc aagctgtctg aggacgagtt 4080 tgaagtgctg aaggtctttg tggtgggtat gatggagcat ctgcacatct cccagaagcg 4140 gatccgcgtg gctgtggtgg agtaccacga cggctcccac gcctacatcg agctcaagga 4200 ccggaagcga ccctcagagc tgcggcgcat caccagccag gtgaagtacg cgggcagcga 4260 ggtggcctcc accagtgagg tcttaaagta cacgctgttc cagatctttg gcaagatcga 4320 ccgcccggaa gcgtctcgca ttgccctgct cctgatggcc agccaggagc cctcaaggct 4380 ggcccggaat ttggtccgct atgtgcaggg cctgaagaag aagaaagtca ttgtcatccc 4440 tgtgggcatc gggccccacg ccagccttaa gcagatccac ctcatagaga agcaggcccc 4500 tgagaacaag gcctttgtgt tcagtggtgt ggatgagttg gagcagcgaa gggatgagat 4560 tatcaactac ctctgtgacc ttgcccccga agcacctgcc cctactcagc accccccaat 4620 ggcccaggtc acggtgggtt cggagctgtt gggggtttca tctccaggac ccaaaaggaa 4680 ctccatggtc ctggatgtgg tgtttgtcct ggaagggtca gacaaaattg gtgaggccaa 4740 ctttaacaaa agcagggagt tcatggagga ggtgattcag cggatggacg tgggccagga 4800 caggatccac gtcacagtgc tgcagtactc gtacatggtg accgtggagt acaccttcag 4860 cgaggcgcag tccaagggcg aggtcctaca gcaggtgcgg gatatccgat accggggtgg 4920 caacaggacc aacactggac tggccctgca atacctgtcc gaacacagct tctcggtcag 4980 ccagggggac cgggagcagg tacctaacct ggtctacatg gtcacaggaa accccgcttc 5040 tgatgagatc aagcggatgc ctggagacat ccaggtggtg cccatcgggg tgggtccaca 5100 tgccaatgtg caggagctgg agaagattgg ctggcccaat gcccccatcc tcatccatga 5160 ctttgagatg ctccctcgag aggctcctga tctggtgcta cagaggtgct gctctggaga 5220 ggggctgcag atccccaccc tctcccccac cccagattgc agccagcccc tggatgtggt 5280 cctcctcctg gatggctctt ccagcattcc agcttcttac tttgatgaaa tgaagagctt 5340 caccaaggct tttatttcaa gagctaatat agggccccgg ctcactcaag tgtcggtgct 5400 gcaatatgga agcatcacca ctatcgatgt gccttggaat gtagcctatg agaaagtcca 5460 tttactgagc cttgtggacc tcatgcagca ggagggaggc cccagcgaaa ttggggatgc 5520 tttgagcttt gccgtgcgat atgtcacctc agaagtccat ggtgccaggc ccggagcctc 5580 gaaagcggtg gttatcctag tcacagatgt ctccgtggat tcagtggatg ctgcagccga 5640 ggccgccaga tccaaccgag tgacagtgtt ccccattgga atcggggatc ggtacagtga 5700 ggcccagctg agcagcttgg caggcccaaa ggctggctcc aatatggtaa ggctccagcg 5760 aattgaagac ctccccaccg tggccaccct gggaaattcc ttcttccaca agctgtgctc 5820 tgggtttgat agagtttgcg tggatgagga tgggaatgag aagaggcccg gggatgtctg 5880 gaccttgcca gaccagtgcc acacagtgac ttgcctgcca gatggccaga ccttgctgaa 5940 gagtcatcgg gtcaactgtg accgggggcc aaggccttcg tgccccaatg gccagccccc 6000 tctcagggta gaggagacct gtggctgccg ctggacctgt ccctgtgtgt gcatgggcag 6060 ctctacccgg cacatcgtga cctttgatgg gcagaatttc aagctgactg gcagctgttc 6120 gtatgtccta tttcaaaaca aggagcagga cctggaggtg attctccaga atggtgcctg 6180 cagccctggg gcgaaggaga cctgcatgaa atccattgag gtgaagcatg acggcctctc 6240 agttgagctc cacagtgaca tgcagatgac agtgaatggg agactagtct ccatcccata 6300 tgtgggtgga gacatggaag tcaatgttta tgggaccatc atgtatgagg tcagattcaa 6360 ccatcttggc cacatcttca cattcacccc ccaaaacaat gagttccagc tgcagctcag 6420 ccccaggacc tttgcttcga agacatatgg tctctgtggg atctgtgatg agaacggagc 6480 caatgacttc attctgaggg atgggacagt caccacagac tggaaggcac tcatccagga 6540 atggaccgta cagcagcttg ggaagacatc ccagcctgtc catgaggagc agtgtcctgt 6600 ctccgaattc ttccactgcc aggtcctcct ctcagaattg tttgccgagt gccacaaggt 6660 cctcgctcca gccacctttt atgccatgtg ccagcccgac agttgccacc cgaagaaagt 6720 gtgtgaggcg attgccttgt atgcccacct ctgtcggacc aaaggggtct gtgtggactg 6780 gaggagggcc aatttctgtg ctatgtcatg tccaccatcc ctggtgtaca accactgtga 6840 gcatggctgc cctcggctct gtgaaggcaa tacaagctcc tgtggggacc aaccctcgga 6900 aggctgcttc tgccccccaa accaagtcat gctggaaggt agctgtgtcc ccgaggaggc 6960 ctgtacccag tgcatcagcg aggatggagt ccggcaccag ttcctggaaa cctgggtccc 7020 agcccaccag ccttgccaga tctgcacgtg cctcagtggg cggaaggtca actgtacgtt 7080 gcagccctgc cccacagcca aagctcccac ctgtggcccg tgtgaagtgg cccgcctccg 7140 ccagaacgca gtgcagtgct gcccggagta cgagtgtgtg tgtgacctgg tgagctgtga 7200 cctgcccccg gtgcctccct gcgaagatgg cctccagatg accctgacca atcctggcga 7260 gtgcagaccc aacttcacct gtgcctgcag gaaggatgaa tgcagacggg agtccccgcc 7320 ctcttgtccc ccgcaccgga cgccggccct tcggaagact cagtgctgtg atgagtatga 7380 gtgtgcatgc aactgtgtca actccacggt gagctgcccg cttgggtacc tggcctcggc 7440 tgtcaccaac gactgtggct gcaccacaac aacctgcttc cctgacaagg tgtgtgtcca 7500 ccgaggcacc atctaccctg tgggccagtt ctgggaggag gcctgtgacg tgtgcacctg 7560 cacggacttg gaggactctg tgatgggcct gcgtgtggcc cagtgctccc agaagccctg 7620 tgaggacaac tgcctgtcag gcttcactta tgtccttcat gaaggcgagt gctgtggaag 7680 gtgtctgcca tctgcctgtg aggtggtcac tggttcacca cggggcgacg cccagtctca 7740 ctggaagaat gttggctctc actgggcctc ccctgacaac ccctgcctca tcaatgagtg 7800 tgtccgagtg aaggaagagg tctttgtgca acagaggaat gtctcctgcc cccagctgaa 7860 tgtccccacc tgccccacgg gcttccagct gagctgtaag acctcagagt gttgtcccac 7920 ctgtcactgc gagcccctgg aggcctgctt gctcaatggt accatcattg ggccggggaa 7980 aagtctgatg attgatgtgt gtacaacctg ccgctgcacc gtgccggtgg gagtcatctc 8040 tggattcaag ctggagggca ggaagaccac ctgtgaggca tgccccctgg gttataagga 8100 agagaagaac caaggtgaat gctgtgggag atgtctgcct atagcttgca ccattcagct 8160 aagaggagga cagatcatga cactgaagcg tgatgagact atccaggatg gctgtgacag 8220 tcacttctgc aaggtcaatg aaagaggaga gtacatctgg gagaagagag tcacgggttg 8280 cccacctttc gatgaacaca agtgtctggc tgagggagga aaaatcatga aaattccagg 8340 cacctgctgt gacacatgtg aggagccaga atgcaaggat atcattgcca agctgcagcg 8400 tgtcaaagtg ggagactgta agtctgaaga ggaagtggac attcattact gtgagggtaa 8460 atgtgccagc aaagccgtgt actccatcca catggaggat gtgcaggacc agtgctcctg 8520 ctgctcgccc acccagacgg agcccatgca ggtggccctg cgctgcacca atggctccct 8580 catctaccat gagatcctca atgccatcga atgcaggtgt tcccccagga agtgcagcaa 8640 gtgaggccac tgcctggatg ctactgtcgc ctgccttacc cgacctcact ggactggcca 8700 gagtgctgct cagtcctcct cagtcctcct cctgctctgc tcttgtgctt cctgatccca 8760 caataaaggt caatctttca ccttgaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aa 8802 2 2813 PRT Canis familiaris 2 Met Ser Pro Thr Arg Leu Val Arg Val Leu Leu Ala Leu Ala Leu Ile 1 5 10 15 Leu Pro Gly Lys Leu Cys Thr Lys Gly Thr Val Gly Arg Ser Ser Met 20 25 30 Ala Arg Cys Ser Leu Leu Gly Gly Asp Phe Ile Asn Thr Phe Asp Glu 35 40 45 Ser Met Tyr Ser Phe Ala Gly Asp Cys Ser Tyr Leu Leu Ala Gly Asp 50 55 60 Cys Gln Glu His Ser Ile Ser Leu Ile Gly Gly Phe Gln Asn Asp Lys 65 70 75 80 Arg Val Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Gly Glu Phe Phe Asp Ile His Leu 85 90 95 Phe Val Asn Gly Thr Met Leu Gln Gly Thr Gln Ser Ile Ser Met Pro 100 105 110 Tyr Ala Ser Asn Gly Leu Tyr Leu Glu Ala Glu Ala Gly Tyr Tyr Lys 115 120 125 Leu Ser Ser Glu Ala Tyr Gly Phe Val Ala Arg Ile Asp Gly Asn Gly 130 135 140 Asn Phe Gln Val Leu Leu Ser Asp Arg Tyr Phe Asn Lys Thr Cys Gly 145 150 155 160 Leu Cys Gly Asn Phe Asn Ile Phe Ala Glu Asp Asp Phe Lys Thr Gln 165 170 175 Glu Gly Thr Leu Thr Ser Asp Pro Tyr Asp Phe Ala Asn Ser Trp Ala 180 185 190 Leu Ser Ser Gly Glu Gln Arg Cys Lys Arg Val Ser Pro Pro Ser Ser 195 200 205 Pro Cys Asn Val Ser Ser Asp Glu Val Gln Gln Val Leu Trp Glu Gln 210 215 220 Cys Gln Leu Leu Lys Ser Ala Ser Val Phe Ala Arg Cys His Pro Leu 225 230 235 240 Val Asp Pro Glu Pro Phe Val Ala Leu Cys Glu Arg Thr Leu Cys Thr 245 250 255 Cys Val Gln Gly Met Glu Cys Pro Cys Ala Val Leu Leu Glu Tyr Ala 260 265 270 Arg Ala Cys Ala Gln Gln Gly Ile Val Leu Tyr Gly Trp Thr Asp His 275 280 285 Ser Val Cys Arg Pro Ala Cys Pro Ala Gly Met Glu Tyr Lys Glu Cys 290 295 300 Val Ser Pro Cys Thr Arg Thr Cys Gln Ser Leu His Val Lys Glu Val 305 310 315 320 Cys Gln Glu Gln Cys Val Asp Gly Cys Ser Cys Pro Glu Gly Gln Leu 325 330 335 Leu Asp Glu Gly His Cys Val Gly Ser Ala Glu Cys Ser Cys Val His 340 345 350 Ala Gly Gln Arg Tyr Pro Pro Gly Ala Ser Leu Leu Gln Asp Cys His 355 360 365 Thr Cys Ile Cys Arg Asn Ser Leu Trp Ile Cys Ser Asn Glu Glu Cys 370 375 380 Pro Gly Glu Cys Leu Val Thr Gly Gln Ser His Phe Lys Ser Phe Asp 385 390 395 400 Asn Arg Tyr Phe Thr Phe Ser Gly Val Cys His Tyr Leu Leu Ala Gln 405 410 415 Asp Cys Gln Asp His Thr Phe Ser Val Val Ile Glu Thr Val Gln Cys 420 425 430 Ala Asp Asp Leu Asp Ala Val Cys Thr Arg Ser Val Thr Val Arg Leu 435 440 445 Pro Gly His His Asn Ser Leu Val Lys Leu Lys Asn Gly Gly Gly Val 450 455 460 Ser Met Asp Gly Gln Asp Ile Gln Ile Pro Leu Leu Gln Gly Asp Leu 465 470 475 480 Arg Ile Gln His Thr Val Met Ala Ser Val Arg Leu Ser Tyr Gly Glu 485 490 495 Asp Leu Gln Met Asp Ser Asp Val Arg Gly Arg Leu Leu Val Thr Leu 500 505 510 Tyr Pro Ala Tyr Ala Gly Lys Thr Cys Gly Arg Gly Gly Asn Tyr Asn 515 520 525 Gly Asn Arg Gly Asp Asp Phe Val Thr Pro Ala Gly Leu Ala Glu Pro 530 535 540 Leu Val Glu Asp Phe Gly Asn Ala Trp Lys Leu Leu Gly Ala Cys Glu 545 550 555 560 Asn Leu Gln Lys Gln His Arg Asp Pro Cys Ser Leu Asn Pro Arg Gln 565 570 575 Ala Arg Phe Ala Glu Glu Ala Cys Ala Leu Leu Thr Ser Ser Lys Phe 580 585 590 Glu Pro Cys His Arg Ala Val Gly Pro Gln Pro Tyr Val Gln Asn Cys 595 600 605 Leu Tyr Asp Val Cys Ser Cys Ser Asp Gly Arg Asp Cys Leu Cys Ser 610 615 620 Ala Val Ala Asn Tyr Ala Ala Ala Val Ala Arg Arg Gly Val His Ile 625 630 635 640 Ala Trp Arg Glu Pro Gly Phe Cys Ala Leu Ser Cys Pro Gln Gly Gln 645 650 655 Val Tyr Leu Gln Cys Gly Thr Pro Cys Asn Met Thr Cys Leu Ser Leu 660 665 670 Ser Tyr Pro Glu Glu Asp Cys Asn Glu Val Cys Leu Glu Ser Cys Phe 675 680 685 Ser Pro Pro Gly Leu Tyr Leu Asp Glu Arg Gly Asp Cys Val Pro Lys 690 695 700 Ala Gln Cys Pro Cys Tyr Tyr Asp Gly Glu Ile Phe Gln Pro Glu Asp 705 710 715 720 Ile Phe Ser Asp His His Thr Met Cys Tyr Cys Glu Asp Gly Phe Met 725 730 735 His Cys Thr Thr Ser Gly Gly Leu Gly Ser Leu Leu Pro Asn Pro Val 740 745 750 Leu Ser Ser Pro Arg Cys His Arg Ser Lys Arg Ser Leu Ser Cys Arg 755 760 765 Pro Pro Met Val Lys Leu Val Cys Pro Ala Asp Asn Pro Arg Ala Glu 770 775 780 Gly Leu Glu Cys Ala Lys Thr Cys Gln Asn Tyr Asp Leu Gln Cys Met 785 790 795 800 Ser Thr Gly Cys Val Ser Gly Cys Leu Cys Pro Gln Gly Met Val Arg 805 810 815 His Glu Asn Arg Cys Val Ala Leu Glu Arg Cys Pro Cys Phe His Gln 820 825 830 Gly Gln Glu Tyr Ala Pro Gly Glu Thr Val Lys Ile Asp Cys Asn Thr 835 840 845 Cys Val Cys Arg Asp Arg Lys Trp Thr Cys Thr Asp His Val Cys Asp 850 855 860 Ala Thr Cys Ser Ala Ile Gly Met Ala His Tyr Leu Thr Phe Asp Gly 865 870 875 880 Leu Lys Tyr Leu Phe Pro Gly Glu Cys Gln Tyr Val Leu Val Gln Asp 885 890 895 Tyr Cys Gly Ser Asn Pro Gly Thr Leu Arg Ile Leu Val Gly Asn Glu 900 905 910 Gly Cys Ser Tyr Pro Ser Val Lys Cys Lys Lys Arg Val Thr Ile Leu 915 920 925 Val Glu Gly Gly Glu Ile Glu Leu Phe Asp Gly Glu Val Asn Val Lys 930 935 940 Lys Pro Met Lys Asp Glu Thr His Phe Glu Val Val Glu Ser Gly Gln 945 950 955 960 Tyr Val Ile Leu Leu Leu Gly Lys Ala Leu Ser Val Val Trp Asp His 965 970 975 Arg Leu Ser Ile Ser Val Thr Leu Lys Arg Thr Tyr Gln Glu Gln Val 980 985 990 Cys Gly Leu Cys Gly Asn Phe Asp Gly Ile Gln Asn Asn Asp Phe Thr 995 1000 1005 Ser Ser Ser Leu Gln Ile Glu Glu Asp Pro Val Asp Phe Gly Asn Ser 1010 1015 1020 Trp Lys Val Asn Pro Gln Cys Ala Asp Thr Lys Lys Val Pro Leu Asp 1025 1030 1035 1040 Ser Ser Pro Ala Val Cys His Asn Asn Ile Met Lys Gln Thr Met Val 1045 1050 1055 Asp Ser Ser Cys Arg Ile Leu Thr Ser Asp Ile Phe Gln Asp Cys Asn 1060 1065 1070 Arg Leu Val Asp Pro Glu Pro Phe Leu Asp Ile Cys Ile Tyr Asp Thr 1075 1080 1085 Cys Ser Cys Glu Ser Ile Gly Asp Cys Thr Cys Phe Cys Asp Thr Ile 1090 1095 1100 Ala Ala Tyr Ala His Val Cys Ala Gln His Gly Lys Val Val Ala Trp 1105 1110 1115 1120 Arg Thr Ala Thr Phe Cys Pro Gln Asn Cys Glu Glu Arg Asn Leu His 1125 1130 1135 Glu Asn Gly Tyr Glu Cys Glu Trp Arg Tyr Asn Ser Cys Ala Pro Ala 1140 1145 1150 Cys Pro Ile Thr Cys Gln His Pro Glu Pro Leu Ala Cys Pro Val Gln 1155 1160 1165 Cys Val Glu Gly Cys His Ala His Cys Pro Pro Gly Lys Ile Leu Asp 1170 1175 1180 Glu Leu Leu Gln Thr Cys Ile Asp Pro Glu Asp Cys Pro Val Cys Glu 1185 1190 1195 1200 Val Ala Gly Arg Arg Leu Ala Pro Gly Lys Lys Ile Ile Leu Asn Pro 1205 1210 1215 Ser Asp Pro Glu His Cys Gln Ile Cys Asn Cys Asp Gly Val Asn Phe 1220 1225 1230 Thr Cys Lys Ala Cys Arg Glu Pro Gly Ser Val Val Val Pro Pro Thr 1235 1240 1245 Asp Gly Pro Ile Gly Ser Thr Thr Ser Tyr Val Glu Asp Thr Ser Glu 1250 1255 1260 Pro Pro Leu His Asp Phe His Cys Ser Arg Leu Leu Asp Leu Val Phe 1265 1270 1275 1280 Leu Leu Asp Gly Ser Ser Lys Leu Ser Glu Asp Glu Phe Glu Val Leu 1285 1290 1295 Lys Val Phe Val Val Gly Met Met Glu His Leu His Ile Ser Gln Lys 1300 1305 1310 Arg Ile Arg Val Ala Val Val Glu Tyr His Asp Gly Ser His Ala Tyr 1315 1320 1325 Ile Glu Leu Lys Asp Arg Lys Arg Pro Ser Glu Leu Arg Arg Ile Thr 1330 1335 1340 Ser Gln Val Lys Tyr Ala Gly Ser Glu Val Ala Ser Thr Ser Glu Val 1345 1350 1355 1360 Leu Lys Tyr Thr Leu Phe Gln Ile Phe Gly Lys Ile Asp Arg Pro Glu 1365 1370 1375 Ala Ser Arg Ile Ala Leu Leu Leu Met Ala Ser Gln Glu Pro Ser Arg 1380 1385 1390 Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Val Arg Tyr Val Gln Gly Leu Lys Lys Lys Lys 1395 1400 1405 Val Ile Val Ile Pro Val Gly Ile Gly Pro His Ala Ser Leu Lys Gln 1410 1415 1420 Ile His Leu Ile Glu Lys Gln Ala Pro Glu Asn Lys Ala Phe Val Phe 1425 1430 1435 1440 Ser Gly Val Asp Glu Leu Glu Gln Arg Arg Asp Glu Ile Ile Asn Tyr 1445 1450 1455 Leu Cys Asp Leu Ala Pro Glu Ala Pro Ala Pro Thr Gln His Pro Pro 1460 1465 1470 Met Ala Gln Val Thr Val Gly Ser Glu Leu Leu Gly Val Ser Ser Pro 1475 1480 1485 Gly Pro Lys Arg Asn Ser Met Val Leu Asp Val Val Phe Val Leu Glu 1490 1495 1500 Gly Ser Asp Lys Ile Gly Glu Ala Asn Phe Asn Lys Ser Arg Glu Phe 1505 1510 1515 1520 Met Glu Glu Val Ile Gln Arg Met Asp Val Gly Gln Asp Arg Ile His 1525 1530 1535 Val Thr Val Leu Gln Tyr Ser Tyr Met Val Thr Val Glu Tyr Thr Phe 1540 1545 1550 Ser Glu Ala Gln Ser Lys Gly Glu Val Leu Gln Gln Val Arg Asp Ile 1555 1560 1565 Arg Tyr Arg Gly Gly Asn Arg Thr Asn Thr Gly Leu Ala Leu Gln Tyr 1570 1575 1580 Leu Ser Glu His Ser Phe Ser Val Ser Gln Gly Asp Arg Glu Gln Val 1585 1590 1595 1600 Pro Asn Leu Val Tyr Met Val Thr Gly Asn Pro Ala Ser Asp Glu Ile 1605 1610 1615 Lys Arg Met Pro Gly Asp Ile Gln Val Val Pro Ile Gly Val Gly Pro 1620 1625 1630 His Ala Asn Val Gln Glu Leu Glu Lys Ile Gly Trp Pro Asn Ala Pro 1635 1640 1645 Ile Leu Ile His Asp Phe Glu Met Leu Pro Arg Glu Ala Pro Asp Leu 1650 1655 1660 Val Leu Gln Arg Cys Cys Ser Gly Glu Gly Leu Gln Ile Pro Thr Leu 1665 1670 1675 1680 Ser Pro Thr Pro Asp Cys Ser Gln Pro Leu Asp Val Val Leu Leu Leu 1685 1690 1695 Asp Gly Ser Ser Ser Ile Pro Ala Ser Tyr Phe Asp Glu Met Lys Ser 1700 1705 1710 Phe Thr Lys Ala Phe Ile Ser Arg Ala Asn Ile Gly Pro Arg Leu Thr 1715 1720 1725 Gln Val Ser Val Leu Gln Tyr Gly Ser Ile Thr Thr Ile Asp Val Pro 1730 1735 1740 Trp Asn Val Ala Tyr Glu Lys Val His Leu Leu Ser Leu Val Asp Leu 1745 1750 1755 1760 Met Gln Gln Glu Gly Gly Pro Ser Glu Ile Gly Asp Ala Leu Ser Phe 1765 1770 1775 Ala Val Arg Tyr Val Thr Ser Glu Val His Gly Ala Arg Pro Gly Ala 1780 1785 1790 Ser Lys Ala Val Val Ile Leu Val Thr Asp Val Ser Val Asp Ser Val 1795 1800 1805 Asp Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Ala Arg Ser Asn Arg Val Thr Val Phe Pro 1810 1815 1820 Ile Gly Ile Gly Asp Arg Tyr Ser Glu Ala Gln Leu Ser Ser Leu Ala 1825 1830 1835 1840 Gly Pro Lys Ala Gly Ser Asn Met Val Arg Leu Gln Arg Ile Glu Asp 1845 1850 1855 Leu Pro Thr Val Ala Thr Leu Gly Asn Ser Phe Phe His Lys Leu Cys 1860 1865 1870 Ser Gly Phe Asp Arg Val Cys Val Asp Glu Asp Gly Asn Glu Lys Arg 1875 1880 1885 Pro Gly Asp Val Trp Thr Leu Pro Asp Gln Cys His Thr Val Thr Cys 1890 1895 1900 Leu Pro Asp Gly Gln Thr Leu Leu Lys Ser His Arg Val Asn Cys Asp 1905 1910 1915 1920 Arg Gly Pro Arg Pro Ser Cys Pro Asn Gly Gln Pro Pro Leu Arg Val 1925 1930 1935 Glu Glu Thr Cys Gly Cys Arg Trp Thr Cys Pro Cys Val Cys Met Gly 1940 1945 1950 Ser Ser Thr Arg His Ile Val Thr Phe Asp Gly Gln Asn Phe Lys Leu 1955 1960 1965 Thr Gly Ser Cys Ser Tyr Val Leu Phe Gln Asn Lys Glu Gln Asp Leu 1970 1975 1980 Glu Val Ile Leu Gln Asn Gly Ala Cys Ser Pro Gly Ala Lys Glu Thr 1985 1990 1995 2000 Cys Met Lys Ser Ile Glu Val Lys His Asp Gly Leu Ser Val Glu Leu 2005 2010 2015 His Ser Asp Met Gln Met Thr Val Asn Gly Arg Leu Val Ser Ile Pro 2020 2025 2030 Tyr Val Gly Gly Asp Met Glu Val Asn Val Tyr Gly Thr Ile Met Tyr 2035 2040 2045 Glu Val Arg Phe Asn His Leu Gly His Ile Phe Thr Phe Thr Pro Gln 2050 2055 2060 Asn Asn Glu Phe Gln Leu Gln Leu Ser Pro Arg Thr Phe Ala Ser Lys 2065 2070 2075 2080 Thr Tyr Gly Leu Cys Gly Ile Cys Asp Glu Asn Gly Ala Asn Asp Phe 2085 2090 2095 Ile Leu Arg Asp Gly Thr Val Thr Thr Asp Trp Lys Ala Leu Ile Gln 2100 2105 2110 Glu Trp Thr Val Gln Gln Leu Gly Lys Thr Ser Gln Pro Val His Glu 2115 2120 2125 Glu Gln Cys Pro Val Ser Glu Phe Phe His Cys Gln Val Leu Leu Ser 2130 2135 2140 Glu Leu Phe Ala Glu Cys His Lys Val Leu Ala Pro Ala Thr Phe Tyr 2145 2150 2155 2160 Ala Met Cys Gln Pro Asp Ser Cys His Pro Lys Lys Val Cys Glu Ala 2165 2170 2175 Ile Ala Leu Tyr Ala His Leu Cys Arg Thr Lys Gly Val Cys Val Asp 2180 2185 2190 Trp Arg Arg Ala Asn Phe Cys Ala Met Ser Cys Pro Pro Ser Leu Val 2195 2200 2205 Tyr Asn His Cys Glu His Gly Cys Pro Arg Leu Cys Glu Gly Asn Thr 2210 2215 2220 Ser Ser Cys Gly Asp Gln Pro Ser Glu Gly Cys Phe Cys Pro Pro Asn 2225 2230 2235 2240 Gln Val Met Leu Glu Gly Ser Cys Val Pro Glu Glu Ala Cys Thr Gln 2245 2250 2255 Cys Ile Ser Glu Asp Gly Val Arg His Gln Phe Leu Glu Thr Trp Val 2260 2265 2270 Pro Ala His Gln Pro Cys Gln Ile Cys Thr Cys Leu Ser Gly Arg Lys 2275 2280 2285 Val Asn Cys Thr Leu Gln Pro Cys Pro Thr Ala Lys Ala Pro Thr Cys 2290 2295 2300 Gly Pro Cys Glu Val Ala Arg Leu Arg Gln Asn Ala Val Gln Cys Cys 2305 2310 2315 2320 Pro Glu Tyr Glu Cys Val Cys Asp Leu Val Ser Cys Asp Leu Pro Pro 2325 2330 2335 Val Pro Pro Cys Glu Asp Gly Leu Gln Met Thr Leu Thr Asn Pro Gly 2340 2345 2350 Glu Cys Arg Pro Asn Phe Thr Cys Ala Cys Arg Lys Asp Glu Cys Arg 2355 2360 2365 Arg Glu Ser Pro Pro Ser Cys Pro Pro His Arg Thr Pro Ala Leu Arg 2370 2375 2380 Lys Thr Gln Cys Cys Asp Glu Tyr Glu Cys Ala Cys Asn Cys Val Asn 2385 2390 2395 2400 Ser Thr Val Ser Cys Pro Leu Gly Tyr Leu Ala Ser Ala Val Thr Asn 2405 2410 2415 Asp Cys Gly Cys Thr Thr Thr Thr Cys Phe Pro Asp Lys Val Cys Val 2420 2425 2430 His Arg Gly Thr Ile Tyr Pro Val Gly Gln Phe Trp Glu Glu Ala Cys 2435 2440 2445 Asp Val Cys Thr Cys Thr Asp Leu Glu Asp Ser Val Met Gly Leu Arg 2450 2455 2460 Val Ala Gln Cys Ser Gln Lys Pro Cys Glu Asp Asn Cys Leu Ser Gly 2465 2470 2475 2480 Phe Thr Tyr Val Leu His Glu Gly Glu Cys Cys Gly Arg Cys Leu Pro 2485 2490 2495 Ser Ala Cys Glu Val Val Thr Gly Ser Pro Arg Gly Asp Ala Gln Ser 2500 2505 2510 His Trp Lys Asn Val Gly Ser His Trp Ala Ser Pro Asp Asn Pro Cys 2515 2520 2525 Leu Ile Asn Glu Cys Val Arg Val Lys Glu Glu Val Phe Val Gln Gln 2530 2535 2540 Arg Asn Val Ser Cys Pro Gln Leu Asn Val Pro Thr Cys Pro Thr Gly 2545 2550 2555 2560 Phe Gln Leu Ser Cys Lys Thr Ser Glu Cys Cys Pro Thr Cys His Cys 2565 2570 2575 Glu Pro Leu Glu Ala Cys Leu Leu Asn Gly Thr Ile Ile Gly Pro Gly 2580 2585 2590 Lys Ser Leu Met Ile Asp Val Cys Thr Thr Cys Arg Cys Thr Val Pro 2595 2600 2605 Val Gly Val Ile Ser Gly Phe Lys Leu Glu Gly Arg Lys Thr Thr Cys 2610 2615 2620 Glu Ala Cys Pro Leu Gly Tyr Lys Glu Glu Lys Asn Gln Gly Glu Cys 2625 2630 2635 2640 Cys Gly Arg Cys Leu Pro Ile Ala Cys Thr Ile Gln Leu Arg Gly Gly 2645 2650 2655 Gln Ile Met Thr Leu Lys Arg Asp Glu Thr Ile Gln Asp Gly Cys Asp 2660 2665 2670 Ser His Phe Cys Lys Val Asn Glu Arg Gly Glu Tyr Ile Trp Glu Lys 2675 2680 2685 Arg Val Thr Gly Cys Pro Pro Phe Asp Glu His Lys Cys Leu Ala Glu 2690 2695 2700 Gly Gly Lys Ile Met Lys Ile Pro Gly Thr Cys Cys Asp Thr Cys Glu 2705 2710 2715 2720 Glu Pro Glu Cys Lys Asp Ile Ile Ala Lys Leu Gln Arg Val Lys Val 2725 2730 2735 Gly Asp Cys Lys Ser Glu Glu Glu Val Asp Ile His Tyr Cys Glu Gly 2740 2745 2750 Lys Cys Ala Ser Lys Ala Val Tyr Ser Ile His Met Glu Asp Val Gln 2755 2760 2765 Asp Gln Cys Ser Cys Cys Ser Pro Thr Gln Thr Glu Pro Met Gln Val 2770 2775 2780 Ala Leu Arg Cys Thr Asn Gly Ser Leu Ile Tyr His Glu Ile Leu Asn 2785 2790 2795 2800 Ala Ile Glu Cys Arg Cys Ser Pro Arg Lys Cys Ser Lys 2805 2810 3 60 DNA Canis familiaris 3 agggggtttc caaaatgaca aaagagtgag cctctccgtg tatctcggag aatttttcga 60 4 60 DNA Canis familiaris 4 cattcatttg tttgtcaatg gtaccatgct gcaggggacc caaaggtaag tcagaagccc 60 5 60 DNA Canis familiaris 5 gaatgttcag gttaatatgg accctgggga tcactttgca acccccttgt tttttcagat 60 6 60 DNA Canis familiaris 6 gagggagccg gggcccagag acaggaagta aatgtgccca gggaaagtga gtggcaggac 60 7 60 DNA Canis familiaris 7 tgggtgaaag ccccatatcc cgactcctgg tcaaggagac tttgcaccaa ggtcccagcc 60 8 60 DNA Canis familiaris 8 ctggagcatg gggttggggt tggaaggtgg agggacatgg aggaaatgca tgagaagcac 60 9 58 DNA Canis familiaris 9 gcttcctgag ctcctccttg tcccaccagc atctccatgc cctacgcctc caatgggc 58 10 24 DNA Canis familiaris 10 aaatgacaaa agagtgagcc ggtc 24 11 24 DNA Canis familiaris 11 aagtctcctt gaccagcggt cggg 24 12 35 PRT Canis familiaris 12 Gly Gly Phe Gln Asn Asp Lys Arg Val Ser Leu Ser Val Tyr Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Phe Phe Asp Ile His Leu Phe Val Asn Gly Thr Met Leu Gln Gly 20 25 30 Thr Gln Arg 35 13 9 PRT Canis familiaris 13 Ile Ser Met Pro Tyr Ala Ser Asn Gly 1 5 14 31 DNA Canis familiaris 14 aggacaactg cctgcctgtc ggtgagtggg g 31 15 31 DNA Canis familiaris 15 aggacaactg cctgcctgtc agtgagtggg g 31 16 8 DNA Canis familiaris 16 aggtragt 8 17 12 DNA Canis familiaris 17 ggcttcactt at 12 18 18 DNA Canis familiaris 18 aggacaactg cctggctt 18 19 15 DNA Canis familiaris 19 gagcctttgt cgccc 15 20 16 DNA Canis familiaris 20 gagccttttg tcgccc 16 21 218 DNA Canis familiaris 21 gtcctgtggg agcagtgcca gctcctgaag agtgcctcgg tgtttgcccg ctgccacccg 60 ctggtggacc ctgagccttt tgtcgccctg tgtgaaagga ctctgtgcac ctgtgtccag 120 gggatggagt gcccttgtgc ggtcctcctg gagtacgccc gggcctgtgc ccagcaggga 180 attgtgctgt acggctggac cgaccacagc gtctgccg 218 22 73 PRT Canis familiaris 22 Val Leu Trp Glu Gln Cys Gln Leu Leu Lys Ser Ala Ser Val Phe Ala 1 5 10 15 Arg Cys His Pro Leu Val Asp Pro Glu Pro Phe Val Ala Leu Cys Glu 20 25 30 Arg Thr Leu Cys Thr Cys Val Gln Gly Met Glu Cys Pro Cys Ala Val 35 40 45 Leu Leu Glu Tyr Ala Arg Ala Cys Ala Gln Gln Gly Ile Val Leu Tyr 50 55 60 Gly Trp Thr Asp His Ser Val Cys Arg 65 70 23 20 DNA Canis familiaris 23 tcctgtggga gcagtgccag 20 24 11 DNA Canis familiaris misc_feature 3-9 n=a,c,t, or g 24 gcnnnnnnng c 11 25 18 DNA Canis familiaris 25 gtggtcggtc cagccgta 18 26 20 DNA Canis familiaris 26 tctaccctgt gggccagttc 20 27 19 DNA Canis familiaris 27 gaccacctca caggcagat 19 28 21 DNA Canis familiaris 28 ctgtgaggac aactgcctgc c 21 29 26 DNA Canis familiaris 29 tggccctgaa ccggaaatta ctcaag 26 

We claim:
 1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding mutated canine von Willebrand Factor polypeptide which causes canine von Willebrand's disease, wherein the nucleotide sequence is capable of hybridizing under high stringency conditions to the complementary sequence of the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 having a mutation at nucleotide
 937. 2. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim
 1. 3. A cell comprising the vector of claim
 2. 4. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1, wherein the mutation at nucleotide 937 is a base deletion.
 5. A method of detecting a canine von Willebrand Factor gene in a sample comprising the steps of: a) contacting the sample with an oligonucleotide comprising contiguous nucleotides of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 or complement thereof, having a mutation at nucleotide 937, and capable of specifically hybridizing with the canine von Willebrand Factor gene, under conditions favorable for hybridization of the oligonucleotide to any complementary sequence of nucleic acid in the sample; and b) detecting hybridization, thereby detecting a canine von Willebrand Factor gene.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of: c) quantifying hybridization of the oligonucleotide to the complementary sequence.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the mutation at nucleotide 937 is a base deletion.
 8. An assay kit for screening for a canine von Willebrand factor gene comprising: a) an oligonucleotide comprising contiguous nucleic acids of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 having a mutation at nucleotide 937, and capable of hybridizing with the nucleotide sequence encoding canine von Willebrand factor; b) reagents for hybridization of the oligonucleotide to a complementary nucleic acid sequence; and c) container means for a)-b).
 9. The assay kit of claim 8, wherein the mutation at nucleotide 937 is a base deletion.
 10. An assay kit for screening for a canine von Willebrand Factor gene comprising: a) a oligonucleotide comprising contiguous nucleic acids of the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 having a mutation at nucleotide 937, and capable of specifically hybridizing to the complementary nucleotide sequence; b) reagents for hybridization of the oligonucleotide to a complementary nucleic acid sequence; and c) container means for a)-b).
 11. The assay kit of claim 10, wherein the mutation at nucleotide 937 is a base deletion.
 12. A method for detecting a mutated canine von Willebrand Factor gene in a canine DNA sample comprising the steps of: a) amplifying the DNA sample by polymerase chain reaction to produce polymerase chain reaction products, wherein the polymerase chain reaction uses primers that produce a restriction site in a mutant allele but not in a normal allele, wherein the mutation in the mutant allele is a base deletion at nucleotide 937 of the gene encoding canine von Willebrand Factor (SEQ ID NO. 1); b) digesting the polymerase chain reaction products with a restriction enzyme specific to the restriction site of the restriction site primer to produce DNA fragments; and c) detecting the DNA fragments, thereby detecting a mutated canine von Willebrand Factor gene.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the DNA fragments are detected by gel electrophoresis.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the primers comprise the sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 23 and
 25. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the restriction enzyme is Mwo I.
 16. An oligonucleotide probe capable of detecting a mutation associated with canine von Willebrand's disease, wherein the mutation is a base deletion at nucleotide 937 of the nucleotide sequence encoding canine von Willebrand Factor polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence is capable of hybridizing under high stringency conditions to the complementary sequence of the sequence of SEQ ID NO.
 1. 